hi, from newcastle...again

So my ‘culture shock’ this week has taken an interesting form… I constantly think I see someone from home. I’ve ‘seen’ someone I know for the past few days. It’s ridiculous.

Anyways,
So we went to Belfast for our first lecture in Irish Art. Honestly, it’s not that great. We are by far the youngest people by 30 years. It’s not what any of us had in mind…..

But after class we were able to shop and do whatever we wanted (which is always a special treat). In some thrift store I found the best deal of my life… VHS for 99p. I was a tough decision but I bought three movies that I thought best suited the needs of the people J
1. Now and Then (everybody needs a good chick flick)
2. Spice Girls live in Istanbul
3. The Labyrinth (David Bowie…c’mon)
I’m pretty excited about them.

Moving along… so we did some more shopping, Luke got some new shoes, I got some shirts… Then Luke and I went out to eat at Bourbon (the food of New Orleans…. It was close to where we were) It was fairly expensive, but we needed a good meal. The restaurants are very different here. Service is definitely not a priority……(this to be noted later on)

We met up with more JBUers and road the long bus home. My body is learning to handle the bus and van trips, but Luke’s is not. I think he now gets headaches as soon as he steps in one.

Friday we had our Philosophy class and we had a lecture from someone named Dr. Robert Rogers about Pascal. It was interesting. Apparently this guy has a degree in Philosophy of religious history (or something)… Luke was a lot more interested than I was of course

That evening we were going to the play Pygmalion. I had never heard of it, but it is the play of which My Fair Lady is based. Before we went there, we went out to eat at Pizza Hut. I was not that excited about greasy pizza, but I am so glad we went. We had feasts, literally. This place was by far the cleanest pizza place I had ever been in and it is the only place that has free refills on pop (!!!). So Luke, myself, and Tyson shares a feast for 3. This consists of 3 starters (we chose cheesy garlic bread, potato wedges, and dippin’ chickin’) a large pizza (half pepperoni and half spicy chicken) and three deserts (two cheesecakes and a chocolate fudge cake)… My meal cost half as much here as it did at Bourbon. Not only that.. but the service here was so refreshing. Most of the time your drinks never get filled and you wait 20 minutes for your bill. So basically, it was really good.

Then we went to Pygmalion.. I have never seen a legit/non-highschool play so I loved it. Others said it wasn’t that impressive… but who am I to say.

Now it’s Saturday and we all have nothing to do… so we are at the library
Tomorrow we meet our ‘friendship families’ and it will be a long day.

I hope all is well, please email me... i'm bored and I need the drama from your lives to entertain me










here are a few pictures...

this is when Luke and a few others from the group climbed the mountain.... it is beautiful... and freezing... and I did not go :)



This is a picture (you can barely see) of Mollie, Meg, me, and Emily... we rode our bikes to the beach... and we obviously felt very legit.


This is the tower of Scrabo (spelling??)... we walked the ridiculous amount of spiraling stairs to the top...so windy

nothing much to say

turns out the 'trek' to Newcastle is getting old. fast.

it's cold, and i still have to ride my bike back. ew.

enough complaining,
tomorrow we have our first lecture in Belfast... about Art. which I am already pretty much a genius at.

lots of people have been stressing about papers. Thankfully i'm not one of them. We have more time than I know what to do with...

Yesterday we went to Scrabo Tower by Strangford Lough (lake)... it again was really pretty (i'll put a picture up next time) and this is where C.S. Lewis used to walk and gain inspiration... really yesterday I didn't feel that great. Those bus rides are killing me. But I thought of how much mom and grandma would've liked it. We had a lecture on all the different birds that call this place home. you two would've loved it. Many people come just to bird watch... i'm not one of those people :)

Friday we go to the Grand Opera House and watch Pygmalion... it'll be very nice to have a night out.

Sunday we are picked up by our host families and I caught glimpse of my host mother and she looks extremely nice.. as much as you can gather from a glimpse. I am partnered with Emily and Carrie. Both are talkers, so I won't have to do much :). They will take us to church and be with us for the afternoon.

I can't think of much else... but i'd love to hear all of your voices... so dish out the money and call me. 011-44-7807873677

well, now that I learned how to better organize these picture, i must ask your forgiveness for the previous posts.... atleast there are pictures.


Jacob took these pictures from atop the the Dundrum Castle and the view is incredible. We live right on that inlet. You can see the larger homes on the left....if you go a few blocks to the right, that is where we are. That tide goes in and out two times a day.

This pictures shows a clear view of our 'beach' It is the sandy area right in the middle. We go to the right side and on the left side is where the seals are... we aren't allowed there.



this is another view and it shows my favorite thing about the Ireland landscape... the land is divided by hedges. fantastic.

this is the beach.

one more picture from Ireland

These pictures are from Devenish Island where the Monastery once was... we were able to climb that tower in the background. I think I wrote about it previously... it was four ladders and was very scary

These pictures are from Derry/Londonderry. This is where Bloody Sunday happened

more.

This is the Carrick-a-rede bridge that we faithfully walked across

I just like this picture of a random fence

Luke and I at Giant's Causeway

PICTURES!!!

Oh finally... pictures

Emily and I at the North Coast














Luke at the North Coast



















Part of the North Coast (it was raining at this point)














This is in The Republic of Ireland where we read Yeats

a very long post

Well, we still have no internet… but apparently the owner of the homes that we are staying in is still trying. It’s incredibly frustrating. So I am in Newcastle again sitting at the library.

I will try and remember interesting things that have happened since my last post.

Luke and I went to dinner one night to a place in Dundrum called The Buck’s Head. Apparently it’s a big deal around County Down. And it definitely lived up to the hype. I had soup and chips (basically fries) and Luke got a ribeye and mash (Mashed potatoes, of course).. I ate most of his. It was delicious. Most of the things on the menu sounded gross, most things around here come straight from the ocean… and we all know I don’t eat things that live(d) in water.

We all have been playing Trivial Pursuit (pop culture edition)… I have been on the winning team each time (I do like my pop culture). It’s usually really fun, even though there are a few like me that get a little too competitive. Including Luke

Friday nights at the local bar has country western karaoke…. So naturally, we had to attend. They had a large American Flag apparently from the Vietnam War (note the apparently). So there were probably 40 people in this tiny bar and 15 of them were JBUers. It was quite interesting. No worries, I did not do any karaoke…. You could’ve guessed I’m sure. So from now on Friday is karaoke night and Saturday is disco night at the local Maggie Murrays.

We did get our bikes finally and they have been a great help. Meg and I rode to the beach (about two miles) and found the most incredible view. The beach is beautiful and across the water you will usually find about 50 seals…. Crazy
After we sit at the beach for awhile we ride basically into the jungle. There are multiple paths that take you into fields of overgrown bushes and grass. Really incredible. It’s my favorite spot in NI so far.

We went to Sunday morning church in Newcastle and it was pretty much small church America.. nothing too exciting. And then we went to one of our Professor’s (Hadden Wilson) church in Ballynahinch. This church was much more contemporary and welcoming. Following that church service we went to the Wilson’s home and had more sweets than my stomach can handle. His wife, Betty, is probably the coldest person I’ve met. She’s very honest and has no problem telling you her opinions. She’s fun. I helped her finish up the food and get it presented and she got frustrated with me because I didn’t know what ‘cling film’ was…. Turns out it is saran wrap. There are lots of small translation issues like that.

Let me talk a little bit about Hadden. He has his doctorate in Thermodynamics or something ridiculous…. He taught that for many years and then switched to ministry. He has been a pastor for who knows how many years and was the missionary in residence at JBU for a few years as well. He has, by far, the best voice I’ve ever heard. It would be like an Irish equivalent of Morgan Freeman (if I’m remembering correctly)…..
Hadden teaches our Irish perspectives on Christian Life and our Philosophy course… and he also basically lives with us. He is wonderful.

One of our other professors is Derick Bingham. He teaches our Irish Literature course. I feel like he is way too qualified to be teaching us. He wrote the biography on C.S. Lewis called A Shiver of Wonder. He is a professor at Queens University in Belfast. He comes on Wednesday and we are always thrilled. Our first assignment was to read a chapter of Lewis’ Miracles and we had an in-class writing assignment… turns out it’s been awhile since I’ve done those

Our Art class is taught by Amanda Croft at Queens’ University on Thursday’s. We won’t start the actual lectures until this coming Thursday, but she has been to our homes and then yesterday we met her in Lisburn and went through an art exhibit as she desperately tried to make us understand art. She is also way too qualified to be teaching us… but we’ll take her.

On a good note, I do get my coffee everyday… Jean, you ruined me.

We all passed the head cold to each other. It’s been fun. Most of us are pretty much cured though.

The worst thing about the traveling is the driving. We all pile into a bus/van type thing… And Hadden usually drives 20 mph faster than any of us would like. The roads are bumpy and curvy and I usually immediately put my head in my lap.
*for Luke’s family… you can imagine his stomach never settles during these trips*

On a good note, Emily and I did finally figure out how to Zip and Link our beds. So we now have one bed. It’s fun. Except neither of us slept that well last night. I like to be tucked and she does not… we’ll work it out.

It doesn’t appear that anyone is facing much homesickness or culture shock yet.. but apparently it is the 6 week mark that we will feel it. More than anything is that we face a lot of boredom. There is limited things to do in Dundrum (especially with no internet) so we feel a little bit like we are on an Amish vacation. No computers, 3 channels, etc. but we try to keep our spirits high. So far the weather has been incredible, which is nice.

Well, there ya have it.

Now I am going to desperately try to get some pictures up.

i would walk 500 miles

well we found a way to get internet... all we have to do is walk 4 miles to the next town and use the library.... no big deal

however i can't put pictures up yet... not sure why.

soon though i hope.

We are 'home'-----finally

Dundrum Bay Holiday Homes are about as quaint as possible. Emily and I of course got the best room. We look out the window and see dundrum Bay. The tide comes in at 12 and 12 so when it is out you can actually walk out on the bay. Many of the locals walk their dogs out there. the town is quite small and frustrating already.... there is no internet here (that we've found). All of Ireland has Broadband but culturally, internet is not that "in".

We are in Downpatrick right now at the local library where we can use internet. We are all acting ridiculously deprived. It's silly really, but it feels like we've been without internet for years. So we are all happy for google.

We stayed in Enniskillen for a few days at the Clinton Centre Youth hostel. Turns out that building was bombed in 1987 and Bill Clinton was here for the reopening. Everyone here loves Billy (as they call him). Our literature professor, Derick Bingham, actually ministered to him following the "affair". Monica is also talked about very often. The Hostel and stay in Enniskillen was very nice. While we were there we went to Devenish Island which was the location for a monastery long ago. We were able to climb the round tower which was made up of four ladders and four platforms. I walked up with my friend Jeran who is scared of heights....so it was a rewarding trip.

We had that afternoon off, which was a much needed break of time schedules. We were able to go into the local pub and watch a rugby and soccer match. something incredible has been discovered on this trip... it's called honeycomb ice cream, or pooh bear ice cream. Seriously, it's really good. last night Emily, Alex, Luke, and myself seriously ate half a gallon. Happens.

Back to Enniskillen... We went to a Presbyterian church on Sunday and it was pretty much the exact same as an American Presbyterian church. The people were of course much friendlier as a whole, but they also just really like Americans. We stayed after and had tea (I had coffee....again). The people were very interested in where we were staying, where we were from in the States, what we were studying, etc....turns out it is hard to end conversations with Irish people. They really do love to talk. It's refreshing.

After church we headed to learn about W.B. Yeats. We crossed into the Republic of Ireland (not Northern Ireland) where he lived and it was the most beautiful place we had been...Of course, in my opinion. I fell in love with a flower called Alpine Meadow Rue (look it up).

We got to see his grave and some of the places that he loved and wrote about. Truthfully, I had never heard of him....but turns out I like his poetry. Being in the places that he loved really helped understand what he was writing.

We left Enniskillen and went of Belfast for the afternoon. In Belfast we basically just wandered. some shopped, but the group I was in just wandered. We ate at some restaurant that said it was known for its quality of food. But like every restaurant here.....the food just isn't that good. Belfast will be a great place to be...whenever we can get there...It seems like the place to be for our age group .

We got to Dundrum and were thrilled with our homes. It is nice to just have one roommate versus 3. Emily and I immediately pushed our beds together, opened the windows and just enjoyed being settled.

We were able to go to the Northern Ireland Parliament which was so strange. I've been to D.C. and was treated nothing like the way we were treated here. Of course, I'm sure these politicians all thought we were studying political science or something of the sort, but they were incredibly hospitable and welcoming. We were introduced to the political parties (there are four main ones and then an "others" category with 7 members of the 108 members of parliament). There are still very much conflict in the Assembly, but the way they are managing it is by having a prime minister and a deputy prime minister be of the two opposing parties. So it would be the same as having Bush and Kerry as presidents. It's interesting.

There are 2 unionist parties (would like to remain in union with the U.K.)
And 2 Nationalist parties (would like to gain unity with Ireland)

Two members of the UUP (ulster unionists party) took us around the ancient building and paid for us all to have tea (or coffee!). We sat around and were able to have great talks with these incredibly important people. so strange. Basil (love his name) said N.I. was the one country that truly loves the States and supports her. Basil and John both gave their numbers and emails for us to contact them if we need anything or just want to see more of the area. (for my parents...these men were much like a Mark Richardson...so it seemed)

Anyways......

We are starting to plan our fall breaks and Luke and I have both talked about trying to spend as little money as possible in Ireland so that we can actually spend money on that trip. Turns out it will be a pretty expensive trip wherever we go. So far the main talk is still of Italy. I'll go anywhere.

Until next time...Elizabeth

So, turns out Ireland isn’t that into free wireless internet… or internet at all really.... So I bought a wireless card for about six American Dollars…. For one hour of Internet. Not that good of a deal… but it’s what is happening.

I will try to best describe what has been going on.

We arrived in Belfast and got stuck in customs because apparently we sound very suspicious for wanting to be in Northern Ireland for 3 months simply to “tour”…. (We aren’t allowed to say we are studying because then we need a student visa) So once we got through and picked up our bags we immediately headed North. We stopped at a restaurant in Ballymena and I realized pretty much immediately that Northern Ireland is definitely in the U.K. Pretty much everything seems English. Nothing much out of the ordinary except that enormous amounts of strange breads and tea (which I still haven’t enjoyed a cup…good thing they have coffee here too).

We moved along to the North Coast to a town called Bushmills (this is the town where I stayed the first 3 nights). The North Coast was definitely as incredible as I had heard it was. Truly amazing scenery and the people were of course welcoming us young Americans. My friend Jeran and I went in search for coffee one night at 6:30 and of course, no place was open. We went into a convenience store to ask if the worker knew if any place would be open. He said no but he could make us a cup. So we went to the back of this store and this man made us coffee. I asked him if he wanted us to bring the cups back tomorrow and he said “why do yuns always want to run off with your coffee, please, stay. Enjoy” They really think Americans are crazy for walking with their coffee.

We got to spend a lot of time by the ocean, which is always great in my book. One of the best things that happened was a man named Ross Wilson came and spoke to us. He is a painter and sculptor. He has the sculpture of C.S. Lewis in Belfast. He was a very simple, but remarkable man. He talked about how when the children seen the sculpture of Lewis and the wardrobe, they truly think they can walk into Narnia. He of course told the story very dramatically and wonderfully.

We then headed to Derry/Londonderry where all of our learning up to this point really applied. Northern Ireland has this incredible history that I of course was oblivious to. This town is where Bloody Sunday happened and we actually got to stand on the spot where it all happened. The man that gave us the tour was one of the “Bogside artists” who paints murals on the buildings of the main road where all the fighting occurred. This side of town (Bogside) is Catholic and they are mostly members of the IRA. Billy (our leaders) grew up in the opposite side where his family fought the IRA and were Protestants. Billy had never been to Bogside for fear of identification. It was very apparent that Billy was still quite offended by many of the Artist’s words regarding the IRA.

Northern Ireland is a fascinating place of extreme diversity. The Northern Coast seems completely happy and lovely. That is because they are all devoted to the Queen and happy to be that way. Many parts are still fighting to be Irish and very much dealing with the “troubles” as they call them, which would be the things most of you remember seeing on the news and such.

Tonight we arrived in Enniskillen and we will be here for 3 days until we finally arrive in Dundrum. I’m beyond excited to be at a home where I can unpack.

Things are going better than can be expected, so no worries. Please email me and I will update more soon. I wrote this very quickly so I’m sure there are mistakes and I’m sure I did not do any of it justice… but at least I wrote.

here comes the plane(s)

I leave Sheridan at 6 a.m. Monday (tomorrow). I arrive in Belfast at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. That is a lot of flying (and of course time differences).

I will post as soon as I can.

email me at run_liz_run@hotmail.com or runninge@jbu.edu